Heterogeneity of preferences for the benefits of Environmental Stewardship: A latent-class approach

Since 2005, Environmental Stewardship (ES) has been the principal agri-environment scheme for England and is the key instrument for the delivery of increased environmental benefits from agricultural landscapes. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether or not individuals' preferences for the environmental benefits associated with ES vary depending on types of landscapes within which these benefits are delivered. A latent class model is applied to data obtained from a choice experiment survey of over 1000 respondents sampled across England. The results suggest that individuals have heterogenous preferences for the benefits of ES, though different segments of the population with more homogenous preferences can be identified. In particular, higher levels of benefit are often associated with the operation of ES in landscapes close to where respondents live. This leads to the suggestion that, in order to maximise the benefits of ES, its implementation could take this result into account by encouraging greater uptake from farmers whose land is closer to large populations.

► A choice experiment was used to investigate spatial variation in public preferences for the benefits of Environmental Stewardship (ES) in England. ► A latent class model was employed to identify segments of population with more homogeneous preferences for the benefits of ES. ► People in England have heterogeneous preferences for the benefits associated with ES. ► Higher levels of benefit are associated with the operation of ES in landscapes close to where respondents live. ► To maximise the benefits of ES there should be greater uptake from farmers with land closer to large populations.